Fulham starlet Kerim Frei opts to represent Turkish National Team

2012-06-18 01:40:35

Fulham starlet Kerim Frei has switched national team allegiances from Switzerland to Turkey.

The Switzerland U-19 International arrived in Istanbul, Turkey yesterday and announced his decision to play for the Turkish national team.

Frei told reporters, "My father was born in Bayrampaşa [Istanbul], he migrated to Switzerland due to economic hardships but would always take me to Istanbul for Bayram [Eid] holidays and festivals, Bayrampaşa has always had a special place in my heart.

"I am an ambitious person and aim to do well in England, I can play in any midfield position and on the wings as I can use both feet well.

"My father who is Turkish and my mother who is Moroccan advised me to play for the Turkish national team despite having represented Switzerland at U-19 level" Frei said.

Frei was born in Feldkirch, Austria however, was raised in Switzerland. Despite recently turning 18, the explosive winger featured in 16 Premiership games for the Cottagers last season.

Turkish national team manager Abdulllah Avci spoke to radio station, BEST FM, regarding Frei's decision, "We have been in talks with Frei over the past 6-7 months.

"Frei has decided that he wants to represent the Turkish national team, I will select Frei for the International match against Austria on, 15 August 2012" he said.

Ömer Toprak and Oğuzhan Özyakup recently made similar moves, having represented the German and Dutch national teams at youth level, the highly rated youngsters opted to represent the Turkish national team.